FACTS REGARDING THE FIELD OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EXTERNAL MONITORING 2. F  acts regarding the field of implementation of the external monitoring The external monitoring of returns in 2017 at a glance. The Ombudsman visited: • 7 pre-removal (detention) centres, as well as • Cells at police stations, at which immigrants are being held with a view to return. The Ombudsman participated with his staff as monitors in 40 operations of forced returns in 2017: • 12 Joint EU Return Operations (flights) with the co-ordination of FRONTEX, to Pakistan and Georgia, • 26 readmissions, either by sea or by air, to Turkey, and • 2 land operations of return from Athens and Thessaloniki, respectively, towards the Albanian border Numerical data regarding returns The forced returns that occurred Chart 1 Returns 2017-2016 Voluntary Forced during 2017 fluctuated approximately around the same numbers -with a 5,657 small increase of 2%- in relation 13,439 to the previous year. The data passed on by the Greek Police show 13,439 forced deportations returns, and Year 2017 19,096 including readmissions 12,998 based on bilateral agreements with 6,153 neighbouring countries, as opposed to 12,998 individuals recorded during the previous year (see Graph 1). Year 2016 19,151 Moreover, there were 5,657 voluntary 14